Bearing assembly for tufting machine cutting attachment

ABSTRACT

A shaft assembly has a shaft and a journal bearing that is fixedly coupled to the shaft so that rotation of the shaft causes corresponding rotation of the journal bearing. A bearing race has an inner surface that defines a cylindrical bore and a lubrication groove that extends radially outward from the cylindrical bore. The journal bearing is rotatably disposed within the cylindrical bore of the bearing race.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of the filing dateof, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/022,803, filed May 11,2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

This application relates generally to apparatuses and systems forfacilitating pivotal motion and, more particularly, to apparatuses andsystems for facilitating pivotal motion of a tufting machine cuttingattachment.

BACKGROUND

Tufting machines often comprise cutting attachments for cutting loopedyarn to form cut tufts. The cutting attachment can include a knife barbracket supporting a knife bar. The knife bar can hold a plurality ofknives that are moved into contact with yarn loops to cut the yarn loopsas they are formed. Various aspects of exemplary tufting machines andcutting attachments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,191, issuedSep. 15, 1987, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

Conventional cutting attachments for tufting machines have shafts thatare rotatably supported on roller bearings. However, because of thereciprocal, oscillating movement of the shafts, the roller bearings aresubject to wear, and the cutting attachments rapidly develop looseness,thereby leading to reduced precision and performance. Moreover, saidbearings are difficult to replace, requiring operators to substantiallydismantle the cutting tufting machine in order to access the bearings.

SUMMARY

Described herein, in various aspects, is a shaft assembly comprising ashaft. A journal bearing can be fixedly coupled to the shaft so thatrotation of the shaft causes corresponding rotation of the journalbearing. A bearing race can have an inner surface that defines acylindrical bore and a lubrication groove that extends radially outwardfrom the cylindrical bore. The journal bearing can be rotatably disposedwithin the cylindrical bore of the bearing race.

A tufting apparatus can comprise a cutting assembly comprising at leastone shaft. A frame can support and receive therethrough each shaft ofthe at least one shaft. The cutting assembly can further comprise atleast one bearing assembly, each bearing assembly being disposed betweenthe frame and a respective shaft of the at least one shaft. Eachrespective bearing assembly can comprise a journal bearing that isfixedly coupled to the respective shaft so that rotation of the shaftcauses corresponding rotation of the journal bearing. A bearing race canhave an inner surface that defines a cylindrical bore and a lubricationgroove that extends radially outward from the cylindrical bore. Thejournal bearing can be rotatably disposed within the cylindrical bore ofthe bearing race.

A bearing assembly can comprise a journal bearing that is configured tobe fixedly coupled to a shaft so that rotation of the shaft causescorresponding rotation of the journal bearing and a bearing race havingan inner surface that defines a cylindrical bore and a lubricationgroove that extends radially outward from the cylindrical bore. Thejournal bearing can be rotatably disposed within the cylindrical bore ofthe bearing race.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription that follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means ofthe elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the inventionwill become more apparent in the detailed description in which referenceis made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of a cutting attachmentassembly in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an end portion of the cutting attachmentassembly as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a portion of a split bearing. FIG. 3B is anend view of the portion of the split bearing as in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is aperspective view of the portion of the split bearing as in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is an end view of a notched bearing as disclosed herein. FIG. 4Bis a side view of the notched bearing of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is aperspective view of the notched bearing of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is an end view of a bearing race as disclosed herein. FIG. 5B isa side view of the bearing race of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a perspectiveview of the bearing race of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a first portion of a split bearingrace. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a second portion of the splitbearing race.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a shaft as disclosed herein. FIG. 7B isa side view of the shaft as in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is an end view of an end bearing. FIG. 8B is a side view of theend bearing of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9A is a first end view of another bearing race as disclosed herein.FIG. 9B is a side view of the bearing race of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is asecond end view of the bearing race of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a bottom view of a first portion of a split bearing racehousing as disclosed herein. FIG. 10B is an end view of the firstportion of the split bearing race of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is an end viewof a second portion of the split bearing race. FIG. 10D is a top view ofthe second portion of the split bearing race of FIG. 10C.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a lubrication assembly.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross section of a thrust bearing assembly.

The dimensions provided in the Figures, which are provided in inchesunless otherwise indicated, should be understood to be optionaldimensions, and other dimensions are contemplated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed system and method may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of particularembodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures andtheir previous and following description.

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tolimit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only bythe appended claims.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” include plural references unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “abearing” includes one or more of such bearings, and so forth.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event,circumstance, or material may or may not occur or be present, and thatthe description includes instances where the event, circumstance, ormaterial occurs or is present and instances where it does not occur oris not present.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, also specifically contemplated and considered disclosed isthe range from the one particular value and/or to the other particularvalue unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Similarly,when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another,specifically contemplated embodiment that should be considered disclosedunless the context specifically indicates otherwise. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Finally,it should be understood that all of the individual values and sub-rangesof values contained within an explicitly disclosed range are alsospecifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed unless thecontext specifically indicates otherwise. The foregoing appliesregardless of whether in particular cases some or all of theseembodiments are explicitly disclosed.

Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of theantecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplatedthat values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above orbelow) of the particularly stated value or characteristic can beincluded within the scope of those aspects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the artto which the disclosed apparatus, system, and method belong. Althoughany apparatus, systems, and methods and materials similar or equivalentto those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of thepresent apparatus, system, and method, the particularly useful methods,devices, systems, and materials are as described.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps.In particular, in methods stated as comprising one or more steps oroperations it is specifically contemplated that each step comprises whatis listed (unless that step includes a limiting term such as “consistingof”), meaning that each step is not intended to exclude, for example,other additives, components, integers or steps that are not listed inthe step.

Disclosed herein are bearing assemblies that provide for improvedprecision and performance of tufting machines that include cuttingattachments. In use, the bearing assemblies can reduce or prevent thedevelopment of looseness in the cutting attachment, thereby maximizingbearing life and providing increased cutting speed and quality. As oneskilled in the art can appreciate, wear of conventional roller bearingscan diminish the accuracy and precision of the tufting machine,requiring the machine to be slowed or temporarily shut down forrebuilding. Additionally, the structure of the disclosed bearingassemblies can permit rebuilding or replacement of existing bearingassemblies of the cutting attachment without the need for removing theshafts of the cutting attachment. This capability can lower the cost andtime associated with rebuilding cutting attachments while alsodecreasing the frequency at which such cutting attachments must bereplaced.

Referring to FIG. 1, a tufting apparatus 90 can comprise a cuttingassembly 100 (e.g., a cutting attachment). The cutting assembly 100 cancomprise a plurality of shafts 102 (e.g., a first shaft 102 a, a secondshaft 102 b, and a third shaft 102 c) that extend in a longitudinaldimension 104. In some aspects, the first shaft 102 a can be a commonpivot shaft, the second shaft 102 b can be a knife drive shaft (fordriving a knife or knife bar), and the third shaft 102 c can be a looperdrive shaft (for driving a looper apparatus as is known in the art).Each of the shafts 102 can be coupled to a respective journal bearing108 (two shown).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3A-3C, in some aspects, the journal bearing 108can be fixedly coupled to the shaft 102 so that rotation of the shaftcauses corresponding rotation of the journal bearing 108. For example,the journal bearing 108 can have opposing first and second ends 110, 112that are spaced by a length. In some aspects, the journal bearing 108can be a split bearing that is split along its axis into a first portion114 and a second portion 116 that define opposing sides of the bearing.Each of the first and second portions 114 can optionally be hollow,half-cylindrical bodies with half-cylindrical inner surfaces. The firstand second portions 114, 116 can meet at axially extending end surfaces.Optionally, the first and second portions 114, 116 can be identical.Each axially extending end surface of each of the first and secondportions 114, 116 can define one or more transversely extending bores118 that can receive respective ends of press-fit dowel pins 120. Thedowel pins 120 can, therefore, extend between and couple the firstportion 114 and the second portion 116.

Alternatively, in further aspects and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A-4C, thefirst collar can define at least one longitudinally extending notch 122that extends from the first end 110 of the bearing and along a portionof the length of the bearing. At least one second longitudinallyextending notch 124 can extend from the second end 112 of the bearingalong a portion of the length of the bearing.

Although the cutting assembly 100 is shown as having a combination ofboth split bearings and notched bearings, it is contemplated that someor all of the bearings 102 can be either split or notched. It iscontemplated that the split bearing can enable easy bearing replacement,as the bearing does not have to be slid over an end of the shaft. It isfurther contemplated that the notched bearing can be cheaper and easierto manufacture and require no assembly. Thus, in various optionalaspects, notched bearings can be preferable in applications in which thebearing is rarely or never changed, whereas the split bearings can beused in applications in which the bearing is frequently changed.Accordingly, although the embodiment in FIG. 1 uses both split andnotched bearings, it is contemplated that the type can be interchangedbased on design preference or determination of high/low wear.

In optional aspects, the bearings described herein can comprise bronzeand/or steel. Likewise, optionally, the bearing races and housings cancomprise steel or bronze.

A first collar 126 (e.g., a split collar) can be tightened down againstan exterior surface of the journal bearing 108 at the first end 110, anda second collar 128 can be tightened down against the exterior surfaceof the journal bearing 108 at the second end 112. In this way, the firstand second collars 126, 128 can apply a compressive force to fixedlycouple the shaft to the journal bearing. That is, the interior surfacesof the journal bearing can frictionally engage the exterior surface ofthe first shaft 102. For example, it is contemplated that the journalbearing 108 having one or more notches 122, 124 at each end can have aninner diameter that is sufficient to slidably receive the shaft 102therethrough, but when the exterior of the journal bearing at thenotches is under compression (e.g., from the collars 126, 128), thenotches can enable the ends of the bearing to flex to frictionallyengage the shaft to inhibit rotational movement between the bearing andthe shaft.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5A-5C, the journal bearings 108 can be receivedwithin respective bearing races 134. Accordingly, each journal bearing108 and bearing race 134 can cooperate to define a bearing assembly 101.A shaft assembly 103 can comprise at least one bearing assembly 101 anda shaft 102. Each bearing race 134 can define a bore (e.g., acylindrical bore 136) that is configured to rotatably receive the outersurface of the respective journal bearing. An inner surface 137 of thebearing race can further define one or more lubrication grooves 138 thatextend radially outwardly from the bore. The lubrication grooves 138 canoptionally extend around an entire circumference of the inner surface ofthe bearing race 134 and axially along at least part of the bearingrace. Optionally, and as shown, the bearing race 134 can define twolubrication grooves 138 that intersect to provide fluid communicationbetween the grooves and permit distribution of lubrication along eachgroove. In some aspects, lubricant can be provided to the lubricationgrooves via a radially extending path that extends from the outersurface of the bearing race to the lubrication grooves on its innersurface. In some optional aspects, the radially extending path canprovide lubricant to the intersection between the lubricant grooves.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6A-6B, one or more of the bearing races 134 canbe a split bearing race that is divided along a longitudinally extendingplane 146 that includes the axis of the bearing race 134, with a firstportion 140 a and a second portion 140 b positioned on opposite sides ofthe plane. The first portion 140 a of the bearing race 134 can meet thesecond portion 140 b on opposing transverse sides of the shaft andbearing to cooperatively define the bore (e.g., the cylindrical bore136). The first and second portions 140 a,140 b of the bearing race 134define corresponding transversely extending bores 142 that can receiverespective fasteners, (e.g., screws). Optionally, one of thetransversely extending bores 142 a can define a through hole, and theother corresponding transversely extending bore 142 b can definethreads. In some aspects, the bearing races can define a radiallyextending flange 144 on one end. The radially extending flange 144 candefine a stop surface 145 that biases against the frame 130 to fix theaxial position of the bearing race along the length of the shaft(relative to the frame 130). In some aspects, at least a portion of theradially extending flange can define a planar surface 148 (e.g., a flat)that can accommodate or engage a portion of the tufting machine frame.Optionally, the side of the flange opposite the planar surface candefine the radially extending lubrication path 149. It is contemplatedthat the location of the planar surface opposite a lubrication fittingcan provide an optimal location for service and maintenance. Forexample, lubrication fitting can be on a side of the bearing race thatis opposite, and, therefore, spaced from the tufting machine frame. Thiscan allow space to access the lubrication fitting and as well as for thelubrication fitting itself. Optionally, in exemplary aspects, it iscontemplated that the planar surface on the radially extending flange ofthe bearing race need only be provided on bearing races that are usedwith a looper drive shaft. Thus, in these aspects, it is contemplatedthat the bearing races used with other shafts (e.g., a pivot shaft orknife drive shaft) can be provided without such a planar surface (e.g.,flat).

The tufting apparatus can comprise a frame 130 that supports the first,second, and third shafts. The frame 130 can define receiving spaces(optionally, cylindrical bores 132) that receive respective bearingraces 134.

Referring to FIG. 2, the ends 150 of at least one (or, optionally, all)of the shafts (e.g., first, second, and third shafts 102, 104, 106) candefine at least one planar surface 152 that is planar in thelongitudinal dimension. For example, the at least one planar surface 152can comprise two pairs of opposing planar surfaces 152 so that the ends150 have generally square ends with rounded edges. Inwardly of theplanar surfaces (i.e., towards the middle of the shaft), the shaft candefine a plurality of external threads 156.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8A-8B, a respective end bearing 158 can definean inner bore 159 having a cross section that matches (i.e., iscomplementary to) the cross section of the outer surface of the end ofthe shaft. That is, each end bearing 158 can define a correspondingplanar surface 160 (or planar surfaces 160) to engage the respective endof the shaft. For example, as shown, the end bearing can define agenerally square bore with rounded edges. The inner bore 159 of the endbearing 158 can optionally be sized to press-fit onto the end of theshaft 102.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9A-9C, the end bearings 158 can be receivedwithin a respective bearing race 162. Each bearing race 162 canoptionally comprise a radially extending flange 164. An inner surface165 of each bearing race 162 can further define a lubrication groove 166that can provide a path through which lubricant can travel.

The lubrication grooves 166 can extend radially outwardly from the bore(optionally, cylindrical bore) that receives the end bearing 158. Thelubrication grooves 166 can optionally extend around an entirecircumference of the inner surface of the bearing race 162 and axiallyalong at least a portion of the bearing race. Optionally, and as shown,each bearing race 162 can define two lubrication grooves 166 thatintersect to provide fluid communication between the grooves and permitdistribution of lubricant along each groove. In some aspects, lubricantcan be provided to the lubrication grooves via a radially extending paththat extends from the outer surface of the bearing race to thelubrication grooves on its inner surface. In some optional aspects, theradially extending path can provide lubricant to the intersectionbetween the lubricant grooves. Optionally, in these aspects, it iscontemplated that a lubrication fitting can be in alignment and fluidcommunication with the radially extending path and the intersection ofthe lubrication grooves 166.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 10A-10D, each bearing race can be receivedwithin a respective bearing race housing 180. Each bearing race housingcan optionally be a split bearing housing comprising a first portion 182a and a second portion 182 b. In some aspects, the bearing race housing180 can define a bore 186 for communicating lubricant to the outersurface of the bearing race at the radially extending pathway.

A threaded locking collar 170 can be threaded onto each end of the shaft102. A first spacer 172 can then be received onto the end of the shaft,followed, in turn, by a thrust bearing 174 and a second spacer 176. Theend bearing 158 can then be inserted onto the end of the shaft. The endbearing 148 can be received within the respective bearing race 162.

On each end of the shaft, the threaded locking collars 170 can berotated to move the locking collars toward their respective ends of theshaft. In doing so, the threaded collar biases against the first spacer172 that, in turn, biases against the thrust bearing 174, that biasesagainst the second spacer 176 that biases against the bearing racehousing 180. The bearing race housing 180 can define a receptacle 184(optionally a cylindrical receptacle) that can receive at least aportion of the thrust bearing 174. Accordingly, the shaft can be biasingagainst opposing thrust bearings 174 that engage respective bearing racehousings 180. In this way, the position of the shaft can be fixed in thelongitudinal dimension, thereby avoiding the oscillating movements thatcan cause wear and looseness in conventional cutting attachments. Thebearing race housing 180 can further define a bore 188 for communicatinglubricant to the thrust bearing 174.

For example, referring to FIG. 1, collars 126 and 128 can be loosenedand removed from the bearing 108. In doing so, the bearing race 134 canbe slid from the bore 132 of the frame 130. Further, the bearing 108 canbe slid along the length of the shaft 102 and removed from one end ofthe shaft. A replacement bearing can be slid over the end of the shaftand along the shaft, and the same or a replacement bearing housing 104can be slid along the shaft and into the bore 132 with the bearingtherein. The collars 126, 128 can be tightened down against the bearing108 with the flange of the bearing race against the housing to fix thebearing and the bearing race in axial position. In further aspects, itis contemplated that the split designs of the collar(s), the journalbearing(s), and the bearing race(s) can permit replacement of saidcomponents without the need for removing the shafts of the cuttingassembly (to slide the components off the end of the shaft, as describedabove). More particularly, because such bearing components can beseparated (split), the bearing components can easily be removed from theshafts and/or positioned over the shafts without the need for removingthe shafts from the cutting assembly and/or advancing the bearingcomponents along a significant portion of the length of the shaft,starting from a longitudinal end of the shaft. This capability makes themodification and/or replacement of bearing components far more efficientand less costly.

When combined with the reduced wear and improved shaft stabilityprovided by the disclosed bearing structures, the disclosed bearingassemblies can offer greatly improved life and performance.

Referring to FIG. 11, one or more lubrication assembles 200 can be incommunication with each of the bearing races to provide lubricantthereto. Optionally, the lubrication assembly 200 can comprise alubricant supply 202, a pump 204, and a conduit 206 for delivering thelubricant to the bearing races 134 of the tufting assembly 90.

Although the collars 126, 128 are shown as split collars, in furtheroptional aspects, the collars can be clamp collars or another suitabledevice that applies a compressive force to the journal bearing 108. Invarious further optional aspects, in lieu of, or in addition to acollar, the shaft 102 can fixedly couple to the journal bearing 108 viaa key, spline or other interlocking feature.

Although various references to cylindrical bores and cylindricalsurfaces are described herein, it is contemplated that furtherembodiments use other rotationally complementary surfaces, such asfrustoconical surfaces or interlocking axially spaced radial ribs. Forexample, the bearing 108 can define a frustoconical outer surface, andthe bearing race 134 can define a frustoconical inner surface that isconfigured to receive the frustoconical outer surface of the journalbearing 108. Said frustoconical surfaces can optionally cooperate toreceive radial and axial forces. Accordingly, in some optional aspects,the frustoconical surfaces can enable the journal bearing to serve as athrust bearing.

In various aspects, referring to FIG. 12, the journal bearing 108 can bea thrust bearing that fixedly couples to the shaft. That is, the journalbearing 108 can couple to the shaft 102, and an axial end surface 190 ofthe journal bearing can bias against an opposing surface 192 (e.g., asupporting surface) in an axial direction. Optionally, a split collar128 can bias against the journal bearing 108 to compress the journalbearing against the shaft, thereby fixedly coupling the journal bearingto the shaft.

Although described herein as being used with tufting machines, it iscontemplated that the disclosed bearing assemblies, including a journalbearing and a bearing race, can be used in other applications where itwould be beneficial to provide stability to a shaft within a machine orapparatus that is exposed to significant reciprocal, oscillatingmovement during use. Such applications can include, but are not limitedto, printers, manufacturing lines, or automotive applications.

Exemplary Aspects

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variationsthereof, herein below are described certain more particularly describedaspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should nothowever be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any differentclaims containing different or more general teachings described herein,or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way otherthan the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A shaft assembly comprising: a shaft; a journal bearing thatis fixedly coupled to the shaft so that rotation of the shaft causescorresponding rotation of the journal bearing; and a bearing race havingan inner surface that defines a cylindrical bore and a lubricationgroove that extends radially outward from the cylindrical bore, whereinthe journal bearing is rotatably disposed within the cylindrical bore ofthe bearing race.

Aspect 2: The shaft assembly of aspect 1, wherein the journal bearinghas opposing first and second ends, the shaft assembly furthercomprising a first split collar that is positioned on the first end ofthe journal bearing and a second split collar that is positioned on thesecond end of the journal bearing, wherein each of the first splitcollar and the second split collar applies a compressive force betweenthe journal bearing and the shaft to fixedly couple the journal bearingto the shaft.

Aspect 3: The shaft assembly of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein thejournal bearing has a length, wherein the journal bearing defines atleast one longitudinally extending notch on the first end of the journalbearing that extends along a portion of the length of the bearing and atleast one longitudinally extending notch on the second end of thejournal bearing that extends along a portion of the length of thebearing.

Aspect 4: The shaft assembly of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein thejournal bearing is a split bearing comprising a first portion and asecond portion.

Aspect 5: The shaft assembly of aspect 4, wherein the journal bearingfurther comprises at least one fastener that extends between the firstportion and the second portion.

Aspect 6: The shaft assembly of any one of aspects 2-5, furthercomprising a bearing race housing that defines a receiving space that isconfigured to receive at least a portion of the bearing race, whereinthe bearing race is disposed within the receiving space, wherein thebearing race defines a flange on a first longitudinal end, and whereinthe flange of the bearing race is disposed against the bearing racehousing.

Aspect 7: The shaft assembly of any one of the preceding aspects,wherein the bearing race comprises a first portion and a second portion,wherein the first portion of the bearing race meets the second portionof the bearing race on opposing transverse sides of the shaft.

Aspect 8: The shaft assembly of aspect 8, wherein the bearing race is asplit bearing race, wherein the first portion and second portion, whenjoined together on opposing transverse sides of the shaft, cooperate todefine the cylindrical bore of the bearing race.

Aspect 9: The shaft assembly as in any one of the preceding aspects,further comprising a lubrication assembly in communication with thelubrication groove of the bearing race, wherein the lubrication assemblyis configured to deliver lubricant to the lubrication groove.

Aspect 10: The shaft assembly as in any one of the preceding aspects,wherein the shaft has a first end and a second end and defines at leastone planar surface on each of the first end and the second end, whereinthe at least one planar surface on each of the first and second ends ofthe shaft is planar in the longitudinal dimension, the shaft assemblyfurther comprising: first and second end bearings that each define aninterior surface that has an interior bore defining a corresponding atleast one planar surface to engage the respective end of the first andsecond end of the shaft; and first and second end bearing races thateach receive a respective end bearing of the first and second endbearings.

Aspect 11: The shaft assembly of aspect 10, wherein the at least oneplanar surface on each of the first end and the second end of the shaftcomprises four equally circumferentially spaced planar surfaces.

Aspect 12: The shaft assembly of aspect 10 or aspect 11, wherein theshaft assembly has defines male threads on each of the first end and thesecond end, the shaft assembly further comprising: a respective threadedlocking collar coupled to the threads on each of the first end and thesecond end; a respective thrust bearing disposed between the respectivelocking collar and a respective end bearing race of the first and secondend bearing races.

Aspect 13: A tufting apparatus comprising: a cutting assembly comprisingat least one shaft; a frame that supports and receives therethrough eachshaft of the at least one shaft; and at least one bearing assembly, eachbearing assembly being disposed between the frame and a respective shaftof the at least one shaft, wherein each respective bearing assemblycomprises: a journal bearing that is fixedly coupled to the respectiveshaft so that rotation of the shaft causes corresponding rotation of thejournal bearing; and a bearing race having an inner surface that definesa cylindrical bore and a lubrication groove that extends radiallyoutward from the cylindrical bore, wherein the journal bearing isrotatably disposed within the cylindrical bore of the bearing race.

Aspect 14: The tufting apparatus of aspect 13, wherein the at least oneshaft comprises first, second, and third shafts, and wherein the atleast one bearing assembly comprises first, second, and third bearingassemblies.

Aspect 15: The tufting apparatus of aspect 14, wherein the first shaftis a common pivot shaft, the second shaft is a knife drive shaft, andthe third shaft is a looper drive shaft.

Aspect 16: The tufting apparatus of any one of aspects 13-15, whereinthe journal bearing of at least one of the at least one bearing assemblyhas opposing first and second ends, the shaft assembly furthercomprising a first split collar that is positioned on the first end ofthe journal bearing and a second split collar that is positioned on thesecond end of the journal bearing, wherein each of the first splitcollar and the second split collar applies a compressive force betweenthe journal bearing and the shaft to fixedly couple the journal bearingto the shaft.

Aspect 17: The tufting apparatus of any one of aspects 13-16, whereinthe journal bearing of at least one of the at least one bearing assemblyhas a length, wherein the journal bearing defines at least onelongitudinally extending notch on the first end of the journal bearingthat extends along a portion of the length of the bearing and at leastone longitudinally extending notch on the second end of the journalbearing that extends along a portion of the length of the bearing.

Aspect 18: The tufting apparatus of any one of aspects 13-17, whereinthe journal bearing of at least one of the at least one bearing assemblyis a split bearing comprising a first portion and a second portion.

Aspect 19: The tufting apparatus of aspect 18, wherein the journalbearing that is a split bearing further comprises at least one fastenerthat extends between the first portion and the second portion.

Aspect 20: The tufting apparatus of any one of aspects 13-19, whereinthe bearing race of at least one bearing assembly comprises a firstportion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the bearingrace meets the second portion of the bearing race on opposing transversesides of the shaft.

Aspect 21: The tufting apparatus of aspect 20, wherein the bearing racethat comprises a first portion and a second portion is a split bearingrace, wherein the first portion and second portion, when joined togetheron opposing transverse sides of the shaft, cooperate to define thecylindrical bore of the bearing race.

Aspect 22: The tufting apparatus as in any one of aspects 13-21, furthercomprising a lubrication assembly in communication with the lubricationgroove of the bearing race of the at least one bearing assembly, whereinthe lubrication assembly is configured to deliver lubricant to thelubrication groove.

Aspect 23: A bearing assembly comprising: a journal bearing that isconfigured to be fixedly coupled to a shaft so that rotation of theshaft causes corresponding rotation of the journal bearing; and abearing race having an inner surface that defines a cylindrical bore anda lubrication groove that extends radially outward from the cylindricalbore, wherein the journal bearing is rotatably disposed within thecylindrical bore of the bearing race.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced withinthe scope of the appended claims. For example, it is contemplated thatembodiments described herein can be advantageous in applications outsideof tufting machines or textile manufacturing. For example, embodimentscan be used in any suitable application of pivotal or rotational motionof one body relative to another, particularly in applications ofoscillatory movement and/or in applications where removal andreplacement of a bearing is desirable without removal of a shaft orother significant dismantling of an apparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shaft assembly comprising: a shaft; a journalbearing that is fixedly coupled to the shaft so that rotation of theshaft causes corresponding rotation of the journal bearing; and abearing race having an inner surface that defines a cylindrical bore anda lubrication groove that extends radially outward from the cylindricalbore, wherein the journal bearing is rotatably disposed within thecylindrical bore of the bearing race.
 2. The shaft assembly of claim 1,wherein the journal bearing has opposing first and second ends, whereinthe shaft assembly further comprises: a first split collar that ispositioned on the first end of the journal bearing; and a second splitcollar that is positioned on the second end of the journal bearing,wherein each of the first split collar and the second split collarapplies a compressive force between the journal bearing and the shaft tofixedly couple the journal bearing to the shaft.
 3. The shaft assemblyof claim 1, wherein the journal bearing has a length, wherein thejournal bearing defines at least one longitudinally extending notch onthe first end of the journal bearing that extends along a portion of thelength of the bearing and at least one longitudinally extending notch onthe second end of the journal bearing that extends along a portion ofthe length of the bearing.
 4. The shaft assembly of claim 1, wherein thejournal bearing is a split bearing comprising a first portion and asecond portion.
 5. The shaft assembly of claim 4, wherein the journalbearing further comprises at least one fastener that extends between thefirst portion and the second portion.
 6. The shaft assembly of claim 2,further comprising a bearing race housing that defines a receiving spacethat is configured to receive at least a portion of the bearing race,wherein the bearing race is disposed within the receiving space, whereinthe bearing race defines a flange on a first longitudinal end, andwherein the flange of the bearing race is disposed against the bearingrace housing.
 7. The shaft assembly of claim 1, wherein the bearing racecomprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the firstportion of the bearing race meets the second portion of the bearing raceon opposing transverse sides of the shaft.
 8. The shaft assembly ofclaim 8, wherein the bearing race is a split bearing race, wherein thefirst portion and the second portion, when joined together on opposingtransverse sides of the shaft, cooperate to define the cylindrical boreof the bearing race.
 9. The shaft assembly as claim 1, furthercomprising a lubrication assembly in communication with the lubricationgroove of the bearing race, wherein the lubrication assembly isconfigured to deliver lubricant to the lubrication groove.
 10. The shaftassembly as in claim 1, wherein the shaft has a first end and a secondend and defines at least one planar surface on each of the first end andthe second end, wherein the at least one planar surface on each of thefirst and second ends of the shaft is planar in the longitudinaldimension, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises: first andsecond end bearings that each define an interior surface that has aninterior bore defining a corresponding at least one planar surface toengage the respective end of the first and second end of the shaft; andfirst and second end bearing races that each receive a respective endbearing of the first and second end bearings.
 11. The shaft assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the at least one planar surface on each of the firstend and the second end of the shaft comprises four equallycircumferentially spaced planar surfaces.
 12. The shaft assembly ofclaim 10, wherein the shaft assembly defines male threads on each of thefirst end and the second end, wherein the shaft assembly furthercomprises: a respective threaded locking collar coupled to the threadson each of the first end and the second end; and a respective thrustbearing disposed between the respective locking collar and a respectiveend bearing race of the first and second end bearing races.
 13. Atufting apparatus comprising: a cutting assembly comprising at least oneshaft; a frame that supports and receives therethrough each shaft of theat least one shaft; and at least one bearing assembly, each bearingassembly being disposed between the frame and a respective shaft of theat least one shaft, wherein each respective bearing assembly comprises:a journal bearing that is fixedly coupled to the respective shaft sothat rotation of the shaft causes corresponding rotation of the journalbearing; and a bearing race having an inner surface that defines acylindrical bore and a lubrication groove that extends radially outwardfrom the cylindrical bore, wherein the journal bearing is rotatablydisposed within the cylindrical bore of the bearing race.
 14. Thetufting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one shaft comprisesfirst, second, and third shafts, and wherein the at least one bearingassembly comprises first, second, and third bearing assemblies.
 15. Thetufting apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first shaft is a common pivotshaft, the second shaft is a knife drive shaft, and the third shaft is alooper drive shaft.
 16. The tufting apparatus of claim 13, wherein thejournal bearing of at least one of the at least one bearing assembly hasopposing first and second ends, wherein the at least one bearingassembly further comprises: a first split collar that is positioned onthe first end of the journal bearing; and a second split collar that ispositioned on the second end of the journal bearing, wherein each of thefirst split collar and the second split collar applies a compressiveforce between the journal bearing and the shaft to fixedly couple thejournal bearing to the shaft.
 17. The tufting apparatus of claim 13,wherein the journal bearing of at least one of the at least one bearingassembly has a length, wherein the journal bearing defines at least onelongitudinally extending notch on the first end of the journal bearingthat extends along a portion of the length of the bearing and at leastone longitudinally extending notch on the second end of the journalbearing that extends along a portion of the length of the bearing. 18.The tufting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the journal bearing of atleast one of the at least one bearing assembly is a split bearingcomprising a first hollow half-cylindrical portion and a second hollowhalf-cylindrical portion.
 19. The tufting apparatus of claim 18, whereinthe journal bearing that is a split bearing further comprises at leastone fastener that extends between the first hollow half-cylindricalportion and the second hollow half-cylindrical portion.
 20. The tuftingapparatus of claim 13, wherein the bearing race of at least one bearingassembly comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein thefirst portion of the bearing race meets the second portion of thebearing race on opposing transverse sides of the shaft.
 21. The tuftingapparatus of claim 20, wherein the bearing race that comprises the firstportion and the second portion is a split bearing race, wherein thefirst portion and the second portion, when joined together on opposingtransverse sides of the shaft, cooperate to define the cylindrical boreof the bearing race.
 22. The tufting apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising a lubrication assembly in communication with the lubricationgroove of the bearing race of the at least one bearing assembly, whereinthe lubrication assembly is configured to deliver lubricant to thelubrication groove.
 23. A bearing assembly comprising: a journal bearingthat is configured to be fixedly coupled to a shaft so that rotation ofthe shaft causes corresponding rotation of the journal bearing; and abearing race having an inner surface that defines a cylindrical bore anda lubrication groove that extends radially outward from the cylindricalbore, wherein the journal bearing is rotatably disposed within thecylindrical bore of the bearing race.